Lurker qu...do u mind sharing ur MWs protocol for EPO and Red raspberry leaf tea?

A & T - TTC

I am interested in using EPO and red raspberry leaf tea to help prepare my body for labor. My main motivation is that I tore significantly with DD1 and had a VERY difficult recovery. So I'm wondering...

When did you start using EPO and RRL tea?

Did you use EPO vaginally and orally?

If you used EPO vaginally did you prick the pill before inserting?

With what frequency did you use EPO and RRL Tea?

Any additional information would really be appreciated. Thank you so much! 

StefandTodd

A & T - TTC:

I am interested in using EPO and red raspberry leaf tea to help prepare my body for labor. My main motivation is that I tore significantly with DD1 and had a VERY difficult recovery. So I'm wondering...

When did you start using EPO and RRL tea? EPO around 36* weeks, RRL (capsules) at 25* weeks, IIRC...

Did you use EPO vaginally and orally? Orally only until 38 weeks, then orally and vaginally.

If you used EPO vaginally did you prick the pill before inserting? I did, yes.

With what frequency did you use EPO and RRL Tea? Every day.

Any additional information would really be appreciated. Thank you so much! 

Obviously there is no way to know what works/worked and what doesn't/didn't, but I went into spontaneous labor at 40+1 and had 10 hours of labor, only about 2 of which was difficult (transition), and 20 minutes of pushing.  I did have a 2nd degree tear, but recovery was pretty easy too.  I will definitely do all the same things when we have another baby.  GL to you!

 

*edit, I started epo orally at 36 weeks, RRL at 25.

elviebird

I havent given birth yet but here's my regimen, as recommended by my midwife.

Started RRL tea around 20 weeks, but I wasn't given a dosage.  I've heard you have to drink a lot of it though (like at least 4 cups a day).

 I was recommended to start EPO at 35 weeks, 3000 Mg a day (1000 mg at each meal).  I've been doing that for 2 weeks, once I see my MW this week I'll report to her how I'm feeling, what my contractions have been like, and then she may recommend that I start using them vaginally as well.  And she did say to prick them first if I did that.

 

annabelle.27

I inserted an EPO pill vaginally every night starting at 36 or 37 weeks or so. I didn't pop the pill- it dissolved on its own. I didn't tear.

I didn't use RRL tea. I did with DS1 and didn't feel like it did anything. I had a two hour labour with DS2 without the tea so I managed just fine without.

SWBs Wifey

I haven't discussed EPO so I have nothing on that.  The doulas teaching our NB class said at least a cup of RRL tea a day starting at 37 weeks and increase by a cup each week beyond.  (so 2+ at 38, 3+ at 39, 4+ at 40 and 5+ at 41)  They said a cup here and there before 37 should be fine unless you have a history of preterm labor.

dmhrn13

32 weeks is WAY too early for EPO. Its going to ripen the cervix by making you contract!

I'm a Certified Nurse Midwife. We recommend all of our moms start 1500mg of EPO 3 times a day by mouth starting at 36 weeks & continue until birth. You can also add 1 500 mg tablet to the vagina starting at 38 weeks, you don't need to prick the tab it will dissolve.

None of this will help with your perineum though- this and RRL Tea are for the uterus & cervix.

Look into Perineal massage. You can have your partner start that at 34 weeks with olive oil each night for about 5 minutes. That is going to help your perineum stretch & help any scar tissue from your previous birth stretch out. Good luck!

Tash13

Idk what EPO is but I drink Red Raspberry Tea almost daily and she highly recommends it.